# XV: The Brooch explained — The Man in the Queue

> Chapter companion for The Man in the Queue by Josephine Tey.

## What happens

Grant returns to the Yard, receives congratulations from Superintendent Barker, but expresses unease about the case against Lamont. He interviews Mrs. Everett, who confirms details about Sorrell's secretive correspondence and a small parcel delivered before his departure. Grant becomes increasingly doubtful and decides to investigate further, planning to visit Mrs. Ratcliffe to show her the monogrammed brooch.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Grant's growing doubt contrasts with Barker's confidence in the case; the surface evidence points to Lamont, but Grant senses something deeper.

### Justice and Miscarriage

Grant worries about the possibility of convicting the wrong man, despite strong circumstantial evidence.

### Obsession and Madness

Grant's persistent unease and determination to uncover the truth borders on obsession, as he pursues a hunch against Barker's advice.

## Character check-ins

### Inspector Grant

Returns to the Yard, discusses the case with Barker, interviews Mrs. Everett, and plans to visit Mrs. Ratcliffe.

### Gerald Lamont

His story to Mrs. Everett matches his earlier statement; Barker dismisses it as thin.

### Bert Sorrell

Described as quiet and jealous; a small parcel was delivered to him before his departure, possibly the returned brooch.

### Mrs. Everett

Provides information about Sorrell's correspondence and the parcel; she believes Sorrell intended to go to America.

### Margaret Ratcliffe

Mentioned as being at Eastbourne; Grant plans to show her the brooch.

### Simpson

Reports that Mrs. Ratcliffe and her sister are still at Eastbourne.

## Key lines

> I’m not very happy about this case.

Grant expresses his discomfort and doubt about the case's resolution.

_Grant's unease contrasts with Barker's certainty._

> It’s the clearest case the Yard has had for some time.

Barker believes the evidence against Lamont is straightforward and strong.

_Highlights the conflict between surface evidence and Grant's intuition._

> I don’t see how he could not have.

Grant admits the evidence points to Lamont's guilt, despite his doubts.

_Grant's internal conflict between logic and instinct._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se/chapters/xv-the-brooch
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se/chapters